This is the official political website of Trevor Sargent, former elected representative for the constituency of Dublin North.

This site is regularly updated with information on his activities as a local Green Party / Comhaontas Glas representative for Dublin North and as a former Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Trevor Sargent also has another website, www.TrevorsKitchenGarden.ie, where he demonstrates how he grows much of his own food and shares his knowledge with anyone with a similar interest. This site is regularly updated with timely information on what should be done in the home kitchen garden or allotment and contains numerous photographs and videos illustrating the techniques required.

Lugging around boxes of books, files and the hardware of office equipment now the order of the day. The job of returning books and reports borrowed and leaving the office clear for the next occupant has to be complete within two weeks of polling day. Leinster House pretty quiet right now considering.

Oireachtas email address will be terminated any day now so I’ll be contactable from now on at: tsargent.green@gmail.com.

The day the people decide the membership of the 31st Dáil has arrived. It is also the day (like every other Friday) when I bring cups, milk, tea and coffee etc to keep the stallholders and other market visitors refreshed on George’s Square at Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market. From there I cast my vote at the nearby Combined Clubs Community Centre.

I was joined by Rob Mc Donald, a neighbour and student journalist who is making a ‘fly on the wall’ radio documentary about this election weekend as seen and heard through my eyes. Recording intermittently in the car, we set off to visit all the Dublin North polling stations aswell as one in Dublin North East at Kinsaley National School.

Gave a lift to Portmarnock resident Orna, to the Kinsaley Parish Hall Polling Station on our rounds. We finished up at Polling Station number 19 in Balscadden National School just before 10pm. A friendly crowd was gathered at Mc Cormacks, the famous local pub nearby, so we stopped for a little well appreciated refreshment there. Bought a few drinks for some ladies and gentlemen I knew there and had a great chat about farming with the renowned Brendan Hagan, before repairing home to catch some rest before the count tomorrow.

My favourite quote of day, from a lady outside the polling station at St. Cronan’s National School in Brackenstown, Swords, was as follows: ‘I HAVE JUST GIVEN YOU MY NUMBER ONE VOTE, THANK YOU FOR BEING MY VOICE IN GOVERNMENT’. After hearing that, come what may, I knew all the effort had been worthwhile.

Beautiful day to meet all available canvassers with Director of Elections, Stiofán, at Travelodge Inn in Swords. From there we took off for Portmarnock where a number of estates are within the Dublin North boundary. Visited Torcaill, Blackwood Lane and Seabrook Manor. Then proceeded to Malahide, had a walk about and then cup of coffee for all in Cafe Provence on Church Road. Finished canvassing stretch of Dublin Road where had good chat with Susie Long of the ASTI.

Went then to Swords, calling in to shops and my Constituency Office along the way. Met good few wellwishers along the street before heading to Donabate where we all appreciated a bowl of mushroom soup in Kate’s Cafe in the Supervalu shopping centre. From there we went to Lusk, calling to houses in Newhaggart, before dropping in to Pat Kelly for a chat and a glass of 7up.

Then on to Rush, where we canvassed Kilbush Lane and Thornleigh. Has good chat about special needs teachers and also the challenges of being in horticulture. The Interconnector issue was raised on some doors but others felt four years ago was the time to make an issue of it when there was a real chance to influence the route taken. From all I have read and heard about the project, I for on would be happy for it to pass my door. Thankfully it is safe as it will be critical for Irish households and businesses to be energy secure and to facilitate much greater electricity generation from renewable dispersed power generators.

Called in on a few shops and hnomes in Skerries including the new Friends charity shop, Then to Balbriggan where I filmed a short concluding video near the hafrbour with the remaining canvassers, before canvassing my own estate on my own. After all these are my special neighbours and I enjoy meeting them.

Then night concluded in Skerries where along with Cathy Gaffney and all the Friends of Autism ADHD, I opened tyhe new larger shop and that was a very warm and sociable occasion. Met some friends then in the lobby of the Bracken Court Hotel where I laid out the itinerary for Polling Day, Think I’ll be sleeping tonight with fingers ande toes crossed.

On the final day of the campaign for election 2011, Trevor Sargent and his Green team undertake a lighting tour of the constituency. The tour concludes with a stop at the site of the future maritime museum in Balbriggan, where Trevor took the opportunity to say thanks to his team. It’s been a hectic three weeks but spirits are high.

Long day beginning with meeting commuters at Rush and Lusk Train Station before 7am. Had to break away after 7.30pm to take a call from Morning Ireland on RTE Radio. Interviewed by Rachel English about what is Green Party programme of work in the next Dáil and how we are fighting for the last seat in many constituencies, probably against Fianna Fáil.

Left the station after 8.30am to attend Dublin Fingal Chamber of Commerce meeting in Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords. Made a few suggestions on how Main Street could be made more attractive to the 45,000 population in the hinterland of Swords, e.g. weekly outdoor market run in co-operation with the existing traders as happens already in Balbriggan, and to an extent in Skerries and Malahide too. As well as that, I suggested tapping in to the Bike to Work Scheme cyclists and locate bike lock up U-bars near shops along Main Street which would alleviate car parking hassle too. Both ideas well received and will be following up with FCC and the Chamber.

Into Leinster House then and a quick meeting with colleagues John, Eamon and Ciaran. Then a quick canvass from King Street, down Grafton Street and across to the Shelbourne Hotel for the final Green press conference of the campaign. Got some progress on the Davenport Hotel exploitation of low paid workers. The National Employment Rights Authority, NERA, has to become involved as what Mr Callaghan in doing is in my opinion wrong. I am contacting NERA about this matter today.

Back to Swords then to canvass the centre of Swords and the Drynan Road estatezs. Great bunch of canvassers again and mainly very good response once we had a chance to explain why it is so important for Greens to be elected so sustainable jobs can be created.

Then Vincent Browne on TV3. Not a pleasant experience especially when a body is tired. Deputy leaders of the other parties were on the panel too. Got in a mention for Gaelcholáiste Ghlór na Mara i mBaile Brigín. Go raibh sé ann go luath agus 460 dalta claraithe le blianta beaga amach anseo.

Driving home in the early hours, stopped by a Garda checkpoint. Everything in order and they wished me good luck in the campaign. We’ll see how all that pans out soon enough. Meanwhile another day of canvassing to go before I get to vote for myself.

Early this morning we find Trevor at Rush and Lusk train station giving out news and information for public transport users. It’s been a busy morning for Trevor; as well as meeting morning commuters at the station he’s also managed to contribute to Morning Ireland.

Not the best of weather but good to be meeting so many people and welcoming more and more people to canvass as Friday Polling Day looms. Much calling back to houses when canvassers are told that householders want to talk with me personally. I enjoy being asked to drop in as these houses are ready and willing to engage and more often than not want to vote SARGENT NUMBER ONE, but just need some clarification or have a specific request